Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles vs. Ducks Week 2 game balls & stats

The Ducks do it again.

The Oregon Ducks took down the Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles 63-14 in week three, and unlike last week’s game against the Fresno State Bull Dogs, this one had no drama to it.

The Ducks blew this one open early and never looked back, but they struggled big-time with penalties—something they’ll need to fix before Pac-12 play begins next week. The team lacked discipline at times throughout the game, but the Golden Eagles just weren’t good enough to take advantage of Oregon’s mental mistakes.

In their final non-conference matchup of the season, Oregon did what they needed to do. With a ranked Arizona on board next week, the Ducks have had plenty of time to work out the kinks, and they’ll need to be ready if they’re going to continue a magical year in Eugene this season.

Offensive Game Ball

The offensive game ball was De’Anthony Thomas’ from the get-go against the Golden Eagles on Saturday.

The Black Mamba finished the first half with an average of 24.3 yards per catch, 20.3 yards per carry and a touchdown in each of the aforementioned categories.

De’Anthony Thomas was once again stellar in the Ducks’ 63-14 victory. (Photo: Don Ryan/AP)

Thomas could have had another score in the opening half, but after breaking and avoiding multiple tackles, he attempted to walk into the end zone and was stripped for his first fumble of the year.

With the game in hand, Thomas never saw the field in the second half, but with the damage already done, he goes down as the most spectacular player from week three’s showdown.

Defensive Game Ball

The Oregon Ducks allowed just 48 yards of offense in the first half, and Kiko Alonsohad the early play of the game when he took the ball away in the second quarter.

Kiko Alonsowas in the right place at the right time when the ball was thrown off of a Golden Eagle player’s back and bounced almost directly into his arms for the interception.

The play was a lucky break in more than one way, as the team had failed to convert on fourth and one the possession before and had given the Golden Eagles excellent field position.

Aside from the decision to run straight into the tackle with blockers surrounding him, Kiko Alonso made the defensive play of the game.

Special Teams Game Ball

De’Anthony Thomas had 220 all-purpose first-half yards, and 86 of them came in the form of punt returns.

Thomas was finally given a chance at some decent returns against Tennessee Tech, and needless to say, he took full advantage.

With an average of 21.5 yards in the first half, Thomas deserves recognition for his stellar play in the special teams.